Critically Analysing AI through a Veterinary Lens

Curriculum Integration Statement

Critical Thinking Over Passive Consumption

We value the development of critical thinkers who can analyze, question, and synthesize information. In a world where GenAI can generate content instantly, it is more important than ever to teach students how to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and bias of that content. GenAI should be a tool to spark curiosity, not a shortcut to answers. This value supports curriculum renewal by embedding AI literacy and ethical usage into course design and encourages both students and faculty to adopt a reflective and analytical approach to technology.

Accountability and Real-World Relevance

We believe in holding students accountable for their learning while connecting classroom content to real-world applications. GenAI offers powerful opportunities to simulate real-life scenarios and enhance problem-solving activities, but students must be taught to use it with integrity. Promoting responsible use of GenAI prepares students for the ethical and practical realities they’ll face in the workforce, enriching the Seneca community’s reputation for producing thoughtful, job-ready graduates.

Inclusivity and Human Connection

Our goal is to create an inclusive, approachable classroom that fosters connection and dialogue. While GenAI can help personalize learning and support accessibility, it should never replace human interaction, mentorship, or empathy. Faculty development around GenAI must include professional conversations about maintaining equity, community, and authentic engagement. This ensures that technology serves to uplift rather than divide our learning environment.

Setting the Context

Among other things, one of the primary goals set out in the Recommended Action Plan (RAP) was to “Integrate AI foundational learning for students into introductory courses (PRO*)” and to “Integrate AI foundational literacy for students in 1st and 3rd semester courses PRO* Sem1/CCA312- Sem 3.”

Assignment

This assignment is designed to help you critically analyze AI-generated responses. You will explore how small changes in phrasing, and the AI tool used, can significantly impact the outputs you receive. The goal is to understand the importance of context in decision-making and why it is essential to apply your professional knowledge rather than solely relying on AI in veterinary and animal care practice.

Part 1: Research Using Three Different AI Tools

Instructions:

1. Choose a Question: Select one question from the bank provided below.

2. Input the Question into Microsoft Copilot PLUS two other,  different AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini). Input the same question into each tool and compare the outputs. Note the differences in their responses. PLEASE NOTE that when using tools NOT recommended by Seneca Polytechnic, you should NOT be using your Seneca credentials (email, etc) to create those accounts. Please use a personal email. Copilot IS safe to use with your Seneca credentials.

3. Rephrase the Question: After reviewing the first set of outputs, rephrase the question slightly. The rephrasing should shift the tone slightly and might focus on legal, emotional, or ethical aspects.

4. Document the Outputs: Record the responses from each tool for both the original and rephrased versions of the question.

Part 2: Question Bank

Below is a list of questions. For each question, I’ve provided two rephrasing options. You only need to choose one rephrased version to input into the AI tools.

[See the Appendix below for the full Question Bank. Each question in the bank includes a topic, an original question, and two rephrasing options.]

Submission Instructions

1. Original Question and AI Outputs

Provide the Original Question You Chose:

(Include the exact wording of the original question you selected from the bank.)

Summary of AI Outputs:

For each AI tool you used, summarize the key points from its output.

2. Rephrased Question and AI Outputs

Provide the Rephrased Question:

(Include the rephrased version of the question you selected for AI input.)

Summary of AI Outputs:

Again, summarize the key points from each AI tool’s output after rephrasing the question.

3. Analysis of Outputs

Similarities:

Discuss any common themes or approaches across the AI tools. What did all three tools have in common?

Differences:

Describe the differences between the outputs. Did any tool focus more on practical solutions, while others emphasized ethics or emotional aspects?

Impact of Rephrasing:

How did rephrasing the question change the tone or content of the answers you received? Did the emotional or legal angle of the rephrased question shift the AI responses?

4. Critical Reflection

a. Why is it important to approach AI critically?

Reflect on why it is crucial to critically evaluate AI-generated responses. What potential risks do you see if AI output is taken at face value without professional judgment?

b. What does this mean for you as a student?

What have you learned about the appropriate and inappropriate use of AI in your studies? How can AI be helpful, but also where might it fall short?

c. What does this mean for you in your career in veterinary medicine?

How could relying on AI in your future career as a veterinary assistant or technician be dangerous? What kinds of ethical dilemmas or risks could arise?

d. What did the rephrasing section teach you?

How did the process of rephrasing the question show you how language and context can alter AI outputs? Why is it important to consider how you phrase questions?

e. What would happen if we replaced AI with learning?

Discuss the potential consequences of replacing AI-generated responses with actual learning and professional knowledge. Why is it essential to continue learning beyond AI tools?

Submission Guidelines

1. Submit your completed assignment on Blackboard by [date].

2. Ensure your responses are well-organized, clear, and concise.

3. Answer the questions 1-4 and a-e.

4. Make sure your reflection demonstrates critical thinking about the role of AI in veterinary and animal care

5. Your assignment should be 500-800 words.

Summary

This assignment and subsequent deliverable are meant to give students some time to not only learn about some of the controversial and polarizing topics of the program, but to also give students a safe place to use Generative AI tools and critically examine the outputs. Students will also get the opportunity to see how changing the prompt (when investigating several topics) will produce a different output. By exploring different prompts, and subsequent different outputs, students will have the opportunity to critically analyze the outputs. Students will also have the opportunity to explore different GenAI tools to see how they produce different outputs to similar questions/prompts.

Appendix: Question Bank

1. Euthanasia and terminally ill pets

Original Question: What are the responsibilities of a veterinary professional when faced with a terminally ill pet and a client who refuses to euthanize?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal concerns should a veterinarian consider when a client refuses euthanasia for a terminally ill pet?

Rephrasing Option 2: How can a veterinarian empathize with a client who refuses euthanasia for their pet, despite the animal’s suffering?

2. Balancing animal welfare and client expectations

Original Question: How can a veterinary professional balance animal welfare and client expectations when recommending treatment options?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal liabilities do veterinarians face if they recommend a treatment that the client cannot afford or refuses?

Rephrasing Option 2: How can a veterinarian manage client expectations when discussing difficult treatment decisions for their pet?

3. Preventive care and vaccinations

Original Question: What is the best approach to educating pet owners about the importance of preventive care and vaccinations?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal responsibilities do veterinary professionals have when educating clients about preventive care and vaccinations?

Rephrasing Option 2: How can a veterinary professional emotionally connect with a client to stress the importance of vaccinations and preventive care?

4. Alternative treatments vs. conventional treatments

Original Question: What should a veterinarian do when a pet owner insists on using alternative treatments despite medical advice against them?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal implications could arise for a veterinarian who allows a client to use unapproved alternative treatments for their pet?

Rephrasing Option 2: How should a veterinarian handle the emotional tension when a client insists on using alternative treatments over traditional medicine?

5. Addressing signs of abuse

Original Question: How should a veterinarian address a situation where an animal shows signs of abuse, but the owner denies any wrongdoing?

Rephrasing Option 1: What are the legal steps a veterinarian must take when suspecting animal abuse, even without direct evidence?

Rephrasing Option 2: How should a veterinarian cope emotionally when they suspect animal abuse but are unable to confirm it?

6. Managing the emotional toll of end-of-life care

Original Question: How can veterinary professionals manage the emotional toll of working with terminally ill pets and grieving pet owners?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal concerns should a veterinary professional be aware of when providing end-of-life care for pets?

Rephrasing Option 2: How can a veterinary professional maintain their emotional well-being while helping pet owners through the grief of euthanasia?

7. Animal distress and refusal of treatment

Original Question: What should a veterinarian do if they believe an animal is in distress but the owner refuses treatment?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal actions can a veterinarian take if an owner refuses to provide necessary care for an animal in distress?

Rephrasing Option 2: How should a veterinarian manage their emotional response when an owner refuses to treat an animal in pain or distress?

8. Educating clients on responsible pet ownership

Original Question: How can veterinary professionals educate clients about responsible pet ownership and the costs of veterinary care?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal responsibilities do veterinarians have when discussing the costs of treatment and long-term pet care with clients?

Rephrasing Option 2: How can a veterinary professional communicate the importance of responsible pet ownership, including the financial aspects?

9. Reporting inadequate care among staff

Original Question: What should a veterinary professional do if they notice another staff member consistently providing inadequate care to animals?

Rephrasing Option 1: What legal actions should a veterinary professional take if they observe unsafe or inadequate care being provided to animals?

Rephrasing Option 2: How should a veterinary professional handle the emotional stress of witnessing poor care provided by a colleague?